If it looked like a Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate was in pain during a debate about the issues which affect the state’s LGBTQ community on Tuesday, it wasn’t because he was uncomfortable with the subject matter.

It was because Massachusetts Treasurer Steven Grossman was passing a kidney stone during the debate.

Grossman’s situation was so noticeable that it instantly inspired a parody Twitter account, @GrossmansStone. According to the account’s bio: “Consensus builder. Pragmatic progressive. Mostly mineral.”

@msherryflax Spent a lot of time pondering that waiting for my chance to escape Steve's renal area. Congress needs more water. #mapoli

According to his spokesperson, Chandra Allard, Grossman was in severe physical pain during the 90-minute debate. Allard told the Boston Globe that Grossman’s “pain-level was a 10 on a scale of 1-to-10” while he answered questions.

@gavinesq I'm with Steve because he's a progressive leader with a record of results and because he loves calcium-rich ice cream. #mapoli

The debate was held at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square and there were seven other candidates. One of the independent candidates, anti-gay gubernatorial candidate Scott Lively, also caused some pained looks while sharing his agenda to “advance a Biblical world view.”

@JimiMack7 I know that I must fight to be a voice for those stones I left behind. If I don't, who will speak for them?

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